“THE VAGABOND KING”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6844, 23 February 1929, Page 10

“THE VAGABOND KING”

“The Vagabond King,’ 1 the stupendous musical play, to be presented at the Opera House for one night only on Thursday next is said to be tho best and most gorgeous production yet staged by the J. C. Williamson Ltd., management. Those who remember Cuyler Hastings many years ago will recall that he played a drama centred about Francois Villon—a sort of Haroun Al Raschid incident, in which the beggar becomes for 24 hours the King. It was called “If I were King” ar.d it is this fine play by Justin McCarthy which forms the ground work of “The Vagabonl King.” The play is full of dramatic situations and romantic interludes, but the comedians also have some excellent material for funmaking. The music is by Randolph Friml, composer of “The Firefly”, “Katinka,” and “Rose Marie,” and it is generally acknowledged that he has given us his very best in “The Vagabond King,” the delicious melodies of which are among its outstanding features. The Williamson management was evidently fortunate in being able to procure Mr. James Liddy for the rolo of Francois Villon and Miss Strella Wilson for the part of Katherine, as they are both fine singers, and their voices are heard at their best in the glorious numbers allotted their respective roles. Mr Liddy gave us a taste of his abilities, both as a singer and an actor in “The Student Prince,” and Miss Strella Wilson 's singing was quite a feature of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas when they were last presented to the playgoers of New Zealand/ Thoso two inimitable character comedians Messrs Arthur Stigant and Cecil Kcllaway are extremely popular with local playgoers and they are always amusing in any character they are given to present. It is said that it cost over £20,000 to produce the original Sydney production of “Tho Vagabond King,” which will not be staged in Melbourne until the termination of it; brief tour of this Dominion. There arc consdcrably over 100 people concerned in the production, including a g:and operatic chorus and orchestra. Tho plans will bo opened at the Opera House on Tuesday.